Am I just being thick but....

I currently have a 125l Jewel Rio tank. I am looking to place a sump under the tank to increase my volume and maybe a fuge. The tank isn't drilled so I will have to add an overflow to it. I can understand in principle how the overflow works but if it stops then wont the pump which returns the water to the tank be running dry and then burn out?

Also I need some advice on which overflow to buy. I am looking at an aquamedic £200 (very pricy) or a schuran at £100 (still expensive compared to cheap ebay models) Anyone got any good recommendations and what are you paying the extra £100 for with the aquamedic??

Sorry I know most of you are from the USA so hope you have the above models there to know what I'm talking about.

 

How much volume do you think the sump will add ? say you add a 20 long or a 40 breeder and at about 4 to 5 " of operating depth you maye get an additional 10 gals max with a 40 k or like 5 to 8 with the 20 L fuges are a different deal all together But a sump is not and was never really intended for extra water volume it was a simply a place to put a good skimmer rather then a HOB and to agitate the water for better skimming and its also great for heaters and reactors to keep them out of sight.

As for HOB overflows well I have seen none I'd trust and I have not heard of any that at some point create a flood condition on the floor . If you are going to do it then drill the tank and put internal over flow boxes and be done with it.. If you choose not to then you will not be the first to second guess that mistake later on ..

 

I have seen some overflows that have a water primeing pump that operates in case of power outages. When power cuts off then suction is broken and then when power comes back on then priming pump sucks air out and water is reintoduced and cycles starts again. I think that you will get into trouble if you use something that is just suction fed and there is no break in the line incase of power failure. I wish I could remember the name of the system but look into somthing like that.

 

O.K now how many have you ever seen a little power head to go off and not start back up ? In a perfect world a siphon would never break either.. I myself would not trust one thats based on many floods I have read and know of. But hey it can.'t be seen from my house , I was just passing on some free information .. CPR has that system on theirs also ..assuming the pump never not starts back up ? Heck I just had a Mag 1800 used for a circulating pump only to not restart a few weeks ago when the power flickered..

I'm not trying to be argumentative but just trying to tell it like it is never trust a pump or siphon . Heck I keep a rebuild kit for my main pump always on hand new impeller 60.00 seal kit 30.00 O ring 5.00 security of having them priceless and I also disassemble my main pump yearly to clean inspect oil and replace the seals and shaft bearings to ensure I have a better chance of it restarting every time .. Just did this service 2 week ends ago today . But I still have everything new on hand for it ..

 

The sump will hide the ugly hob's agreed. I am also looking for the benifit of the fuge.

I dont think I can be bothered to strip the tank down though to get it drilled. I would in the future hope to buy a new tank (pre drilled).

I think the aqua medic overflow restarts in the event of a power cut. What about the return pump. How do I ensure that it doesn't run dry.

 

I know of a guy that can drill tanks full of water and not spill a drop on the floor. ;D